A soft chuckle came from Taika’s lips. Of course Adelheid would not have been found on Crossing once she had gotten it into her head she could go where she pleased. The mare was honestly surprised her friend had not tried to take to the sky itself, refusing to allow the lack of wings to keep her grounded. The moment she could. Adelheid would have gone as far and as fast as she could have, if only to feel a different wind in her mane. With a gentle grin on her face, Taika nudged her nose against Inka, reassuring her with a soft breath. I will of course tell her, but I cannot promise that will make her come back. Already her mind plodded through different ways she could phrase this sentiment to her wayward friend in such a way to make it sincere. She did not know what had happened between the youth and her mother, but the expressions playing across Inka’s face and Adelheid’s frustrations, whispered in confidence, were enough to bring Taika’s mind to suspect. But still, she shook her head and neck free of the worry. She knew her friend and believed in the power of will, time, patience and love. There was no doubt in her mind she would return eventually, but she may not be the horse the mountains remembered.

Another small ripple of laughter bubbled from the young woman and she eyed the young man at their side. It seemed as though he too had a mind of his own and would not be so easily quieted. As she firmly believed, and continued to find evidence to support, the voices of the young were often the most powerful. Her grin never really leaving her face, she turned back to Inka and nodded agreeably. She was indeed! Apparently the trait is a little genetic. But yes, I intend to stay. I cannot stay just within the border of the mountains. She lifted her face into the wind and inhaled, as if the calls of the other islands were already tugging at her. But the Peak has always been a part of me and I find that I cannot stay away for too long. The long sun-kissed tail whisked through the air. She was truly a daughter of the mountain and wild at heart.

At once her attention snapped back to the colt, mildly taken aback by the intensity of his stare. No question or comment passed through her mind, nor any thought that she might be overstepping her bounds. Absolutely! Our first quest would be to find my little brother! If I know him at all, he would be where you can find a lot of water. The mare trotted a few paces forward as she spoke before stopping in her tracks and hesitating, realizing what she had done. Sheepishly, she spun back to Inka, her head hanging slightly. That is, of course, if Inka is okay with me being your escort, and vice versa… She did not believe they would run into trouble, not with the name of the Peak at their side. Quiet or no, Taika believed it would have been ill advised for anyone to question the strength of the Vulcans.